Tubular ammunition rack and housing



May 20, 1969 REX A. F0555 INVENTOR ag, 24 M 540mg: ATTORNEYS May 20, 1969 R. A. FUSEE TUBULAR AMMUNITION RACK AND HOUSING Sheet 2 of2 Filed March 5, 1968 L- HI llm "nite States 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An ammunition rack housing and handle which retains ammunition cartridges in receptacles. A collar is secured to one end of each of the receptacles which serves to strengthen the receptacle. A rod-like member is rotatably mounted in a tubular member which is mounted adjacent the receptacle and a portion of the collar. A clamp is secured to the rod-like member, engages the cartridge, and shields the cartridge firing pin from external contact. A rotatable stop is secured to the rod-like member which prevents rotation of the clamp beyond a position which will expose the cartridge firing pin if rotated in one direction and which will prevent damage to the rod-like member if rotated in the opposite direction. The stop has a rim which is adapted to engage a portion of the cartridge so that when the rod-like member which is shaped like a handle is rotated and extracted from the tubular member, the cartridge is ejected from said receptacle.

This invention relates to an ammunition rack housing and handle. More particularly, this invention relates to means for preventing rotation of the handle which both secures and removes cartridges from receptacles. Storage assemblies and ammunition racks have been utilized in the past to store ammunition cartridges. When these storage racks were installed in military tanks, the limited space required installation near the hatch through which ingress and egress from the tank is made. Because such ingress and egress is made dilficult because of the confined quarters, personnel would often step on the ammunition storage rack as they entered and departed from the tank. This resulted in portions of the storage rack and handle being permanently deformed and the firing pins of the individual cartridge-s being exposed. This exposure created a highly dangerous condition in that minor force against the firing pin will detonate the cartridge.

The present invention provides for an ammunition rack utilizing receptacles in which cartridges are stored. The cartridges are secured in the receptacle by means of a clamp which also guards the firing pin against inadvertent activation. The clamp is attached to a rod which is shaped like a handle and is rotatably mounted in a tubular member mounted adjacent the receptacles. To restrict the degree of rotation, a stop member is secured to the rod. As the rod rotates, the stop interrupts a portion of a collar which is mounted on one end of the cartridge receptacle.

The invention has, therefore, as one of the objects of the invention, the elimination of the afore-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art systems.

Another object of the present invention is to strengthen the rack and storage assemblies in which cartridges are stored.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an ammunition rack in which cartridges can be stored without being inadvertently detonated.

Yet, it is another object of the present invention to provide an ammunition rack housing and handle which can withstand physical abuse without damage or increased hazards to attending personnel.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the atent art by the following description when considered in relation to the accompanying drawing of which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an ammunition rack housing and handle according to the prior art systems.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an ammunition rack housing and handle with the new and improved support according to the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view, parts broken away in section of an ammunition rack housing and handle according to the invention.

Referring now to the drawing wherein similar reference numerals will refer to similar parts in the various figures, FIGURE 1 shows a representative prior art system. An ammunition rack support 10 forms the basic support for the system. Support 10 will often be mounted to the hull and turret of a tank immediately adjacent the hatch through which ingress and egress is effected. Rigidly secured to support 10 by means of welding are cylindrical casings 12 which serve as receptacles for cartridges, one of which is shown at 32. The receptacles 12 are generally mounted horizontally inside the tank compartment and at right angles to support 10.

Mounted adjacent receptacle 12 is a tubular member 14. Rotatably mounted within tubular member 14 is a rod indicated generally at 16. Rod 16 has a first portion 20, second portion 22 and third portion 24 which are bent and shaped relative to each other so as to form a handle which is utilized to extract the cartridge 32 from casing 12 in a manner which will be described hereinafter. A fourth portion of rod 16, which is shown generally at 26, extends into tubular member 14. A first spring 18 surrounds rod portion 26 within tubular member 14. A second spring 21 also surrounds rod portion 26 and provides a biasing force for clamp 28 which retains cartridge 32 within receptacle 12, when it is in the position shown in the drawing. Secured to the bottom of rod 26 is a pin 17 which fits in an L-shaped slot 15 extending along the length of tube 14. If it is desired to withdraw cartridge 32 from receptacle 12, handle 16 is turned so that clamp 28 clears the end of cartridge 32. Pin 17 follows slot 15 and is in position to enable handle 16 to be moved axially. Rod portion 29 has a spur center 29 attached thereto with an annular flange extending therearound which engages the rim of cartridge 32 as shown at 31. Receptacle casings 12 have a cut-away portion 30 which permits engagements of flange 31 and the rim of cartridge 32. When handle 16 is rotated such that clamp 28 clears the end of casing 12, axial movement of handle 16 will cause lip 31 to force the cartridge 32 to be extracted.

Much of the difficulty encountered with the device described above in relation to FIGURE 1 was caused by excessive force being applied to handle 16 transverse to the longitudinal axis of receptacle casings 12. This force was often the result of the tank operating personnel stepping on handles 16 as they entered and departed the tank. As mentioned previously, the close proximity of the ammunition rack relative to the hatch makes this practice virtually impossible to circumvent in that rapid military maneuvers do not permit crew personnel time to inspect the area which they utilize to support themselves. Although rod 16 may have restraining means to prevent free movement of rod 16, this restraining means is not sufficient to withstand the aforementioned forces. Hence, rods 16 and clamps 28 are caused to turn, thereby exposing the firing pins (not shown) which the clamp 28 guards. This unrestricted force also results in rods 16 and unprotected rims 19 being permanently deformed.

The new and improved ammunition rack according to the invention is shown in perpective in FIGURE 2. Each of the receptacle casings 12 have a collar indicated generally at 34 secured to one end by any suitable means such as welding. Each collar 34 has a beveled portion of increased thickness and reduced width indicated generally at 35 to form a recessed area in the collar as shown at '36. A second recessed area is formed in collar 34 as shown generally at 40. Shoulders 42 are provided on either side of recessed area 40 which provide a support surface as will be dercribed more fully hereinafter.

Located within recessed area 40 is a rotating stop 44 having a cylindrical portion 46 and a half-moon shaped portion 48. As shown in the drawing, stop 44 is free to rotate until one of the edges 47 and 49 of half-moon portion 48 interrupts the beveled portion 35 of collar 34 adjacent shoulder 42.

As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, rod-like member 50, comprising individual portions 51, 52, 53, 54, and 56, is secured to the cylindrical portion 46 of stop 44. Mounted adjacent the outer cylindrical surface of casing is a tubular member 64, preferably formed of steel. The longtudinal axis of tube 64 is preferably mounted parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical casing 10. Secured to collar 34 is a cylindrical band in which tube 64 is securely mounted by fastening means 62. A nut 70, preferably formed of nylon, is internally threaded into tube 64. Portion 56 of rod 50 extends within tube 64 and is rotatable therein. A notch 66 which is placed in the bottom of tube 64 is adapted to receive pin 68 which is secured to portion 56 of rod 50. When pin 68 engages notch 66, spoon-shaped portions 74 and 76 will be positioned on opposite sides of each cartridge firing p111.

A spring 58 surrounds portion 56 in tube 64 and is axially restrained at opposite ends by support 65 and nut 70. When pin 68 engages notch 66, spring 58 is substantially at its normal free length. A second spring 80 also surrounds portion 56 of rod 50 intermediate stop 44 and nut 70. Pin 68 is slidably mounted in an L-s'haped slot 59 which is cut in each tube 64. One of the edges 65 of the slot is shown in [FIGURE 3. Each slot has an axially extending portion and a circumferentially extending portion. In order to place pin 68 into notch 66, spring 80 must be placed in compression. Contraction of spring 80 enables stop 44 and rod portion 56 to lower and hence permit pin 68 to follow the circumferential portion of the L-shaped slot until pin 68 engages notch 66. Such placement of the pin will hold the clamp described below in engagement with the cartridge while the compressive force of spring 80 will tend to prevent rod 50 and the clamp from rotating. Generally, spring 58 will be neither in tension or compression. If the handle is moved axially outward, however, the compressive force of spring 58 returns the assembly to the position shown in the drawing. Although any suitable material may be used, the preferred embodiment utilizes a collar and stop formed of aluminum in contrast to the rod and tubular member which are made of steel.

A clamp comprising a flat portion 78 and spoonshaped portions 74 and 76 is attached to portion 54 of rod-like member 50. Spoon-shaped members 74 and 76 springingly engage a cartridge which is placed in casing 10. As can be seen in FIGURE 3, the clamp is so formed in relation to the cartridge to be secured that a space 79 is formed therebetween. This exposed area 79 surrounds and thereby protects the firing pin of the cartridge which the clamp secures. If the clamp moves relative to the casing 10, area 79 will prevent the clamp from activating the firing pin. Stop 44 is provided with a lip or rim 72 on which a portion of the cartridge rests, generally each cartridge is provided with a rim which will be engaged by rim 72 when the cartridge is inserted into casing 10.

In operation, the ammunition rack housing and handle serve both to retain and eject cartridges 32 from casings 10. Before a cartridge can be inserted into casing 10, the handle which is formed by portions 51, 52, 53, and

54 of rod like member 50 is turned about the longitudinal axis of tubular member 64 and portion '56 of rod 50 against the force of spring 80 until the clamp clears the casing 10 and is located redially outward with respect to the peripheral surface of casing 10. At this time, pin 68 will be aligned with the axially extending portion of the L shaped slot. A cartridge is inserted into casing 10 and the handle is returned to its original position against the compressive force of spring 80, whereby pin 68 will engage notch 66. As mentioned previously, this will position space 79 directly over the cartridge firing pin and place spoon-shaped portions 74 and 7-6 on either side of the firing pin.

When the cartridge comes to rest in casing 10, the rim of the cartridge will be in contact with rim 72 of the rotating stop 34. When the handle is returned to its original position, the edge 47 of half-moon portion 48 of stop 34 will engage the beveled edge portion 35 of collar 34. Thus, if someone steps on, or otherwise applies a large force in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) to portion 52 of the handle 50, rotating stop 44 will be prevented from turning because of the engagement of elements 47 and 35. Since stop 44 is directly connected to rod 50, neither rod 50 surrounding the firing pin nor the clamp can turn clockwise. Thus, the firing pin remains guarded and the handle is not bent.

If it is desired that the cartridge be extracted, the handle is again opened so that the clamp clears the edge of the cartridge, however, rim 72 of rotating stop 34 remains in contact with the rim of the cartridge. Although pin 68 is disengaged from notch 66, it follows the circumferential portion of slot 59 until it is aligned with the axially extending portion of slot 59, thus enabling axial movement of the handle. When the handle is given a quick jerk in an axial direction, support 65 moves in an axial direction against the compressive force of spring 58 and lip 72 forces the rim of the cartridge axially outward of the receptacle casing 10. When the handle is released, pin 68 returns to the bottom of the longitudinal portion of the L-shaped slot and stop 44 returns to its resting place within recessed area 40. If the handle is left in the open position, edge 49 of half-moon portion 48 will rest against the beveled portion of collar 34. Hence, if counter-clockwise force is applied to port-ion 52 of the handle, the support provided by edge 49 engaging collar 34 will prevent the rod 50 to be damaged.

While attention has been directed to the use of but one casing and handle, it is to be understood that any num ber may be utilized simultaneously.

What I claim is:

1. An ammunition rack housing and handle comprising at least one receptacle for receiving an ammunition cartridge therein, a collar secured to one end of said receptacle, a tubular member attached to said collar, and a rod-like member Which is rotatably mounted in said tubular member and which is adapted to retain said cartridge in said receptacle,

said rod-like member being bent to serve as a handle in ejecting said cartridge from said receptacle and being attached to a clamp means for retaining said cartridge in said receptacle,

said clamp means comp-rising a flat portion and at least one spoon shaped member attached to said flat portion and in springing engagement with said cartridge.

2. An ammunition rack housing and handle comprising at least one receptacle for receiving an ammunition cartridge therein, a collar secured to one end of said receptacle, a tubular member attached to said collar, and a rod-like member which is rotatably mounted in said tubular member and which is adapted to retain said cartridge in said receptacle,

said rod-like member being secured to a rotatable stop having a lip which is adapted to engage a portion of said cartridge when said rod-like member retains said cartridge in said housing so that when said rodlike member is extracted from said tubular member said cartridge is ejected from said receptacle.

3. An ammunition rack housing and handle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the longitudinal axis of said tubular member is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said receptacle, a portion of said rotatable stop being radially displaced with respect to the peripheral surface of said tubular member and said receptacle such that said stop will Prevent unlimited movement of said rod-like member by engaging a portion of said collar.

4. An ammunition rack housing and handle as set forth above in claim 3 wherein lock means are provided to prevent said rod-like member from rotating and a clamp means is attached to a first portion of said rod-like member and is biased against a portion of said cartridge by spring means which surrounds said rod-like member.

5. An ammunition rack housing and handle comprising at least one receptacle for receiving an ammunition cartridge, a rotatably mounted rod-like member which serves as a handle in removing said cartridge from said receptacle and assists in retaining said cartridge in said 7 receptacle, and stop means to prevent rotation of said rod-like member beyond a predetermined position.

6. An ammunition rack housing and handle as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a collar mounted on said receptacle having an enlarged beveled portion, said rod-like member being rotatably mounted in and, removably biased against said enlarged beveled portion, said stop means being secured to said rod-like member so as to engage said enlarged portion when said rod-like member is rotated beyond a predetermined position.

7. An ammunition rack housing and handle comprising at least one receptacle for receiving an ammunition cartridge,

a collar attached to one end of said receptacle having a beveled portion of increased thickness and reduced Width,

a tubular member attached to said beveled portion and having a longitudinal axis which is parallel to and radially displaced from the longitudinal axis of said receptacle, 7

a rotatable stop member being mechanically biased against said beveled portion by spring means memher,

a clamp comprising a flat portion and at least one spoon-shaped portion which is attached to said flat portion and in springing engagement with said cartridge,

and a rod-like member Which is bent to serve as a handle in ejecting shells from said receptacle being secured to said rotatable stop and having at least a first portion attached to said clamp and a second portion rotatably mounted in said tubular member,

said stop member having a portion thereof which will engage said beveled portion of said collar when said rod-like member is rotated beyond a predetermined position, said stop member being axially movable against the force of said spring to enable rotation of said rod-like member and clamp such that said clamp may be rotated radially outward of the outer periphery of said receptacle,

said stop member having a lip which is adapted to engage a portion of said cartridge when said clamp and rod-like member retain said cartridge in said housing so that when said rod-like member is extracted from said tubular member, said cartridge is ejected from said receptacle.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,414,567 1/1947 Thorp 2063 X BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

STEPHEN C. BENTLEY, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 2063 

